The Ayers Foundation Scholars Program began at Riverside High School in 1999 with the vision of making higher education more accessible to young people in West Tennessee’s Decatur and Henderson counties. It was created to financially assist small-community students continue their education, through its own scholarships and with support in obtaining other sources of scholarship monies.

Eligibility and Guidelines

The Ayers Foundation Scholars Program is available to all students who attend and graduate from Riverside High School. Students will be required to meet the following requirements:

• Students must NOT have a criminal record involving substance abuse and must stay drug-free while in the program.

• Students will be required to complete an Ayers Scholars Program application and 20 hours of Community Service (5 hours per year).

• Students and their parents will be required to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) each year the student is in school. Timely submission of the FASFA is mandatory for participation in the Ayers Foundation Scholars Program.

• Students must attend a postsecondary school by the fall semester following graduation. Students may choose to use their scholarships at a U.S. university, community college, or state-run vocational/technical institution.

Responsibilities of Recipients

Students that participate in the Ayers Foundation Scholars Program will be responsible for the following:

• Must stay drug-free and maintain good moral character

• Must be a full time student, in good standing with their postsecondary institution

• Must pass 24 semester hours each year

• Must apply each year for a renewal award.

Awards

Every graduating high school student at Riverside High School can receive up to $4000 annually for up to four years. The amount of money awarded is need-based and is determined after all other sources of scholarships and financial aid have been awarded. Students will be required to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ ) each year the student is in school. All applications for financial assistance are reviewed on an annual basis.

"Education changes lives and communities. I've seen it happen. Continuing your education past high school has its challenges but the payoff is a higher quality of life that will stay with you forever."

Jim Ayers

Founder, Ayers Foundation